Collaborators

Past MSc Student Profiles

Although I was initially on
track for a MEng degree in Biochemical Engineering, I realised that the MEng
degree is not recognised in several countries. Hence, I obtained my BEng degree
in Biochemical Engineering at UCL in 2012 and decided to further my studies by
doing an MSc in Chemical Engineering. I applied to several masters programmes
at different universities before deciding on UCL’s MSc in Chemical Process
Engineering as the course of my choice. My decision was largely swayed by the
variety of course options which were available to allow me to design the course
to suit my interests. In addition to this, the modules were taught by academics
and lecturers who are highly acclaimed in their fields thereby ensuring the
quality of the standard of teaching.

The highlight of every master’s
degree is the research project and mine was based on the use of ionic liquids
in the development of polymer electrolytes. I was very impressed by the degree
of freedom that I was given to tailor my project to my own liking and the
first-rate facilities which were at my disposal. All in all, it was an
eye-opener to the world of research as it gave me the opportunity to interact
with current post doctorate students.

Studying at
UCL in the heart of London not only means an education at a top-rated
university but the diverse cultural environment contributes to a richer and
more memorable learning experience.

Having completed my
Diploma in Chemical Engineering in Greece, my goal was to enhance my studies
with a postgraduate course in a top class University. I chose UCL’s MSc in
Chemical Process Engineering because it offers a well- structured programme
with an emphasis on novel chemical engineering aspects and global energy
issues.

During the course, I
broadened my knowledge with modules such as advanced process engineering,
energy systems and sustainability and project management. My research project
was a Life Cycle Assessment of Energy from Waste via Anaerobic Digestion. I
must say, that this was the most exciting part of the course, as I was
responsible to design my own waste management systems, and propose an
integrated solution based on innovative technologies. Throughout the project, I
had the full support of my supervisor Dr. Paola Lettieri and I greatly enjoyed the
freedom that she gave me to implement my own ideas.

To conclude, I want to
say that this was definitely the most creative and intense year of my life,
full of challenges and unique opportunities. Doing this course at UCL was a
lifetime experience, which I am sure that will be extremely useful for my
future career in industry.

After finishing a B.E. in Chemical Engineering at
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York, NY, I
decided to pursue a Masters in Chemical Process Engineering to gain the
knowledge I needed to get the type of job that interested me most. The MSc
Chemical Engineering programme at UCL provided a solid base for improving my
Chemical Engineering knowledge, while also providing great optional modules in
process modelling. Coming to an institution regarded as highly as UCL, I had no
doubts that the academic staff would be of a very high standard. But what makes
UCL outstanding is the attention that every student gets from the faculty. The
high faculty to student ratio was felt throughout the year, as I always had
access to a faculty member who could answer my questions.

I pursued a research project in modelling cancer
chemical networks with Professor David Bogle. He allowed me to make the project
my own, and always pointed me to the right people whenever I needed guidance in
subject areas outside those covered in the department. I used statistical
analysis tools to validate gene expression microarray technology analysing
different KRAS mutated colorectal cancer cell lines under different treatment
scenarios. This project resulted in obtaining gene clusters that differ between
different KRAS mutated cells, providing potential measures for personalised
cancer treatment diagnosis. In addition, gene clusters were found that provide
a way to analyse different treatments in order to improve the way in which they
are administered.

My experience at UCL was further enhanced by my
participation in the Football and Ultimate Frisbee clubs. Having these
activities along with my degree kept me active, healthy, and provided a way for
me to meet people from many different departments. I’d classify this year as
one of the best in my life. I had a great time, and I am coming out of it with
a highly respected MSc and a job as a Junior Consultant at Process Systems
Enterprise. The faculty at UCL helped me immensely in obtaining this job, which
was at the top of my list, by putting me in touch with the right people and
providing references.

My
first degree was a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Idaho in
Moscow, Idaho USA in 2008. Following the completion of my studies, I spent four
years working for a Japanese company in one of their overseas offices in
Seattle, Washington USA. My tasks were focused on the field of wastewater
treatment.

My
eagerness to improve my knowledge led me to apply to the Chemical Process
Engineering MSc programme at UCL. The selection of courses available provided a
good breadth of experience in different skills and topics important for
engineers to possess. These included a fantastic project management course as
well as introductions to both the energy concerns facing the planet and the
always-important topic of safety and risk management.

My
research allowed me to explore both clean water treatment and risk
identification and assessment methodologies, and to combine these topics into
my final research project. I received excellent mentoring from Dr Eva Sorensen
and Dr Afshin Anssari-Benam during my research. The other professors in the
Chemical Engineering department were also able to provide advice and support
concerning their respective areas of expertise.

The
diversity of the students and professors at UCL provided some very beneficial
experience with how different people with different backgrounds from around the
world conduct themselves. This will be useful moving forward working in London
in the oil and gas sector.

Upon completing my undergraduate degree in
Chemical Engineering from Niger Delta University Bayelsa State, Nigeria, I
wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree in Chemical Process Engineering from a
distinguished global institution. I choose UCL recommended by Shell Nigeria for
a fully funded scholarship. My experience at UCL has been exciting and educating
to say the least.

I
have been equipped with world-class academic and industrial experience by the
well-structured system of learning available at UCL that links the two. UCL
offers numerous opportunities to students who are willing to deepen their understanding
of the fundamental principles and the latest technological developments in the
process industry through the application of relevant process simulation
software packages. Team-work is a vital aspect of the learning process at UCL
that offer students the opportunity to learn from one another and contribute
maximally to real-life challenges and finding solutions to global energy
problems.

The most exciting
aspect of my MSc programme was my research project “Compression Strategy in
Hydrocarbons and CO2 Pipelines” supervised by Prof. H. Mahgerefeth. The
research provided a platform for me to proffer solution to the global challenge
of CO2 emissions reduction and the realisation of a cost-effective and
efficient carbon capture and storage (CCS) scheme. My research project resulted
in CO2 compression strategies with significant reductions in power requirements
highly adaptable for potential CCS applications in the near future. Therefore,
I would recommend the MSc Chemical Process Engineering programme at UCL to any
scholar with strong desire and passion for relevant expertise in the global
energy industry.

I obtained a degree in chemistry from the Open University
whilst teaching. Upon graduating I decided to build upon my chemical knowledge
by developing engineering skills through undertaking a MSc in Chemical Process
Engineering. After investigating various
institutions I chose UCL because it provided the opportunity for
non-engineering graduates to study advanced design and core chemical
engineering subjects at a world class institution. I was also attracted by the underlying emphasis
upon safety and the environment, whilst having the flexibility to learn project
management skills at an institution accredited by the Association of Project Management.

The most enjoyable part of my MSc was the advanced design
project which enabled me to carry out process simulations and detailed design
of an air separation unit, using cryogenic distillation, which I found both interesting
and rewarding. For the second part of
the project I was able to build upon my interest in safety and loss prevention
and I led the safety team. I developed a
model for the design of a flare including thermal radiation modelling using an
international standard and industry guidelines. Through the design project I gained transferable skills which will be useful
in my future chemical engineering career.

In conclusion, the setting and atmosphere at UCL
make it a great place to study and everyone is very helpful. However, it is an
intensive year but if you are prepared to grasp the opportunities, and work
hard, you will find this MSc a truly inspiring and rewarding experience which
will remain with you for years to come.

I received a B.Eng in Chemical Engineering from
Covenant University, Nigeria. Afterwards, I applied and was accepted into
graduate programmes in the UK, USA, and Germany. From these programmes, I chose
the MSc Chemical Process Engineering program at UCL because of the unique blend
of course modules, world-class faculty, and world-leading research. I also
received the UCL-PTDF Nigeria scholarship to cover the full cost of my
education at UCL.

The most exciting and satisfying part of my MSc
studies was my MSc research project. I developed a novel microkinetic modelling
approach called the structure-explicit microkinetic (SEMK) modelling approach
for the CO oxidation on RuO2 (110) catalyst surface. My SEMK model
showed comparable predictive performance with kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC)
simulations in the limit of fast diffusion, and was more accurate than
conventional mean-field microkinetic models. I received excellent supervision
and mentorship from my supervisor, Dr. Michail Stamatakis with whom I built
what I believe will be a life-long friendship.

Aside from the world-class education offered at UCL,
the camaraderie within in the chemical engineering department is unprecedented.
I also had the pleasure of attending several research seminars and a number of
job presentations by world-leading researchers and companies respectively. I
believe that my graduate education at UCL will be of immense benefit to my
future career.